System for tracking tagged surgical articles with a transport container tracking assembly

The subject patent application claims priority to and all the benefits of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63/256,114, filed on Oct. 15, 2021, the disclosure of which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety.

Conventional surgical procedures routinely involve the use of various types of surgical articles, such as tools and associated accessories and/or energy applicators (e.g., bits, burrs, blades, irrigators, lumens, and the like), as well as implants (e.g., anchors, screws, plates, prosthetics, and the like), used to facilitate approaching, treating, and/or stabilizing tissue. Surgical articles maybe reusable (e.g., sterilizable, re-processable, and the like), or may be single-use (e.g., disposable). Many types of surgical articles are packaged in sealed containers, realized such as by sealed or otherwise sterile enclosures which, in turn, may be disposed within a box. Here, boxes may contain one or more surgical articles of a specific size, type, and/or configuration, or ranges thereof, the details of which may be printed or otherwise presented on one or more labels and/or tags secured to the box.

Depending on the type of surgical procedure being performed, various sizes and/or types of surgical articles may be required. A logistics representative responsible for sourcing surgical articles generally provides medical facilities with surgical articles as they are needed. Here, the logistics representative may maintain a working inventory of surgical articles ready to be provided to the medical facility. To this end, the working inventory may be realized as a plurality of surgical articles stored in one or more transport containers. A single transport container may contain an assortment of different surgical articles organized or otherwise defined by common sizes, types, and the like, which may be optimized to suit a particular medical facility's needs, or may be based on a particular category or type of procedure carried out at the medical facility (e.g., specific orthopedic procedures, trauma procedures, and the like). If a medical facility where the surgical procedure is being performed needs a specific surgical article for a given procedure, the logistics representative will generally source the surgical article from the working inventory.

If the working inventory is running low on (or is out of) a particular surgical article, the logistics representative may need to replenish or otherwise supplement the working inventory. To this end, specific surgical articles may be separately sourced by the logistics representative when needed (e.g., via overnight shipping from a warehouse). In addition, transport containers may be exchanged and subsequently replenished with new surgical articles, such as at a warehouse or another facility. In such a scenario, the transport container may be inventoried, such as by scanning or otherwise inspecting its contents, to determine which new and/or replacement surgical articles are needed in order to replenish the transport container.

Depending on the size and quantity of transport containers a logistics representative is responsible for, as well as the size, shape, configuration, and assortment of surgical articles placed therein, it can be difficult to readily ascertain when the transport container needs to replenished or supplemented, in particular where the logistics representative frequently accesses and rearranges surgical articles in transport containers. Here, the logistics representative may inventory the contents of the transport container (e.g., by scanning or manually inspecting surgical articles as they are removed), and may carefully track inventory of the transport containers. However, this process can be cumbersome and time consuming, and it will be appreciated that it can be difficult to readily confirm availability of the surgical articles when a specific quantity of surgical articles is needed on short notice.

Accordingly, there remains a need in the art to overcome one or more of the challenges described above.

A system for tracking tagged surgical articles across a network includes a transport container and a tracking assembly. The transport container defines an interior having a lower interior surface, an upper interior surface, and a plurality of interior side walls extending between the lower interior surface and the upper interior surface. The tracking assembly includes a housing shaped to be received within the interior of the transport container. The tracking assembly also includes an antenna supported by the housing adjacent to the lower interior surface and being arranged to selectively generate a wave extending helically away from the lower interior surface and towards the upper interior surface within the interior of the transport container. The tracking assembly further includes a communication interface for wirelessly communication with the network. The tracking assembly further includes a controller coupled to the housing and disposed in electrical communication with the antenna and the communication interface.

The controller is being configured to generate the wave with the antenna to scan the interior of the transport container for tagged surgical articles, receive identity data from each of the tagged surgical articles with the antenna in response to generating the wave, and transmit the identity data across the network via the communication interface.

The system for tracking tagged surgical articles across the network permits a logistics representative to quickly inventory the surgical articles in the transport container, thus permitting the logistics representative to readily ascertain when the transport container runs low on (or out of) a particular surgical article and thus when the transport container needs to be replenished or supplemented, in particular where the logistics representative frequently accesses and rearranges the surgical articles. The system for tracking tagged surgical articles across the network also permits the logistics representative to quickly source surgical articles for medical facilities as they are needed.

1 5 FIGS.-B 100 102 102 104 106 108 110 112 102 104 Referring now to, a systemis generally shown for tracking a plurality of tagged surgical articles(hereinafter, “surgical articles”) placed in a transport containervia a tracking assembly. As is described in greater detail below, the tracking assembly is configured to communicate across a networkwith a serverdisposed in communication with various remote electronic devicesin order to facilitate tracking surgical articlesdisposed in the transport container.

102 114 116 118 102 114 102 102 102 114 114 102 114 102 102 114 114 116 118 102 116 118 In the representative versions illustrated throughout the drawings, the surgical articlesare generically depicted as generally rectangular boxesto which respective labelsand tagsare affixed in order to, among other things, identify the surgical articleinside the box. The surgical articlesare generally configured for utilization during various types of medical and/or surgical procedures, and may be of numerous types, styles, and/or configurations. While not illustrated in detail herein, surgical articlesmay be realized as tools, components, or materials utilized in the treatment of tissue, or may be realized as implantable components, prosthetics, and the like. Surgical articlesmay be packaged individually in a single box, or a single boxmay include a plurality of surgical articlesof the same type, size, configuration, and the like. It is also contemplated that a single boxmay include a plurality of surgical articlesof different types, sizes, configurations, and the like. The surgical articlesmay be placed in sterile enclosures, packages, and the like (not shown, but generally known in the related art) which, in turn, are placed in boxes. Alternatively, the boxitself may be realized as a sterile enclosure to which the labeland the tagare affixed. Similarly, the surgical articlemay itself be provided with the labeland/or tag.

114 114 114 100 102 118 114 114 While a number of different configurations of boxesare contemplated by the present disclosure, in some versions, certain boxesmay be approximately 5″×3″×1″ (inches), 6″×6″×3″ (inches), 6″×6″×1.4″ (inches), 6″×12″×3″ (inches). Furthermore, while the boxesare depicted generically throughout the drawings, it will be appreciated that the systemcan detect surgical articlesof various types, styles, and configurations via the use of tagsas described in greater detail below, with or without utilizing the box, and/or with different types or styles of enclosures, packaging, and the like other than boxes. Other configurations are contemplated.

116 114 102 116 118 102 118 102 The labelsare placed on a top surface of the boxesto, among other things, identify the respective surgical article. Here, labelsmay include text, symbols, bar codes, and the like, arranged in various ways to facilitate managing inventory, distribution, sorting, handling, identification, and the like. The tagsare placed on a side surface of the box to facilitate identification of the respective surgical article. The tagsare realized as Radio Frequency Identification RFID tags operable according to Ultra High Frequency UHF RFID protocols, and may include or otherwise define identity data ID corresponding to the surgical article. Identity data ID may include part numbers, lot numbers, serial numbers, date information, processing information, codes (e.g., an Electronic Product Code EPC), and the like. Other configurations are contemplated.

104 120 106 102 104 122 124 128 104 124 130 104 120 104 126 128 130 126 128 128 124 104 132 106 126 128 130 104 106 134 134 134 130 136 104 108 136 132 146 108 146 132 132 138 126 128 130 104 106 138 134 120 104 140 136 106 108 4 FIG. 5 5 FIGS.A-B 3 5 FIGS.-C 3 5 FIGS.-C The transport containerdefines an interiorinto which the tracking assemblyand one or more surgical articlesare disposed, as described in greater detail below. In the representative version illustrated herein, the transport containeris realized as a plastic toteto which interlocking flapsare pivotably coupled. More specifically, the upper interior surfaceof the transport containermay include interlocking flapspivotably coupled to a plurality of interior side walls. However, it will be appreciated that the transport containercould be configured in other ways. The interiorof the transport containerdefines a lower interior surface, an upper interior surface, and the plurality of interior side wallsextending between the lower interior surfaceand the upper interior surface(see). Here, the upper interior surfaceis defined by the flapswhen in a closed configuration (see). In one aspect, the transport containeris provided with shieldwhich, as described in greater detail below, is configured facilitate proper operation and consistent, high level accuracy of the tracking assembly. To this end, in some versions, the lower interior surface, the upper interior surface, and the interior side wallsof the transport container, as well as portions of the tracking assembly, may be provided with a coatingsuch as CuPro Cote™ copper-based paint. Other configurations are contemplated. In some versions, additional layers of different types of coatingmay be provided, such as a polyurethane paint applied over CuPro Cote™ copper-based paint to help ensure durability. As shown in, the coatingis not applied along an area of one of the interior side wallsin order to define a shield windowarranged relative to components of the transport containerto facilitate communication across the networkas described in greater detail below. More specifically, the shield windowdefined by the shieldmay be arranged relative to the communication interfaceto facilitate transmittal of the identity data ID across the networkvia the communication interface. In some versions, the shieldmay include additional components and/or materials. For example, the shieldmay include a linerdisposed along the lower interior surface, the upper interior surface, and the interior side wallsof the transport container, as well as on portions of the tracking assembly. Here, the linermay be constructed from or otherwise realized by one or more pieces of metallic foil panels and/or tape secured together and to the coating(e.g., via foam, adhesive, and the like) or otherwise supported within the interiorof the transport container. Here too as shown in, a liner windowis defined so as to be positioned adjacent to and in alignment with the shield windowto facilitate communication of the tracking assemblyacross the network.

1 16 FIGS.- 5 FIG.B 106 100 102 120 104 108 102 110 112 106 142 144 146 148 150 142 120 104 144 142 126 128 128 104 144 146 108 150 148 154 120 Referring now, generally, to, as noted above, the tracking assemblyof the systemis configured to identify surgical articlesdisposed within the interiorof the transport containerand communicate across the networkto, among other things, transmit identity data ID of identified surgical articlesto the serverfor access by various remote electronic devicesas described in greater detail below. To this end, the tracking assemblygenerally includes a housing, an antenna, a communication interface, a controller, and at least one battery module. The housingis shaped to be received within the interiorof the transport container. The antennais supported by the housingadjacent to the lower interior surfaceand is arranged to selectively generate a wave WV extending helically away from the lower interior surfaceand towards the upper interior surfacewithin the interior of the transport container(see). It is to be appreciated that the antennamay be configured to generate the wave WV in a helical configuration. The communication interfaceis provided for wirelessly communicating with the network. The battery moduleis configured to power the controller, and may be operatively attached to the towerand supported in the tower interior.

148 150 142 144 146 148 142 148 144 120 104 102 102 144 108 146 148 144 120 104 118 102 118 102 110 112 108 146 The controlleris powered by the battery module, is coupled to the housing, and is disposed in electrical communication with the antennaand the communication interface. The controllermay be supported by the housing. The controlleris configured to, among other things, generate the wave WV with the antennato scan the interiorof the transport containerfor tagged surgical articles, receive identity data ID from each of the tagged surgical articleswith the antennain response to generating the wave WV, and transmit the identity data ID across the networkvia the communication interface. More specifically, the controlleris configured to, among other things, generate the wave WV with the antennato scan the interiorof the transport containerfor the tagsof surgical articles, receive identity data ID from each of the tagsof the respective surgical articlesin response to generating the wave WV, and transmit the identity data ID to the server(and/or one or more remote electronic devices) across the networkvia the communication interface. Each of the components introduced above will be described in greater detail below.

100 102 108 102 104 104 102 104 102 100 102 108 102 The systemfor tracking tagged surgical articlesacross the networkpermits a logistics representative to quickly inventory the tagged surgical articlesin the transport container, thus permitting the logistics representative to readily ascertain when the transport containerruns low on (or out of) a particular surgical articleand thus when the transport containerneeds to be replenished or supplemented, in particular where the logistics representative frequently accesses and rearranges the tagged surgical articles. The systemfor tracking tagged surgical articlesacross the networkalso permits the logistics representative to quickly source surgical articlesfor medical facilities as they are needed.

1 5 FIGS.-C 106 132 144 104 132 106 132 104 132 106 132 104 132 106 As shown inand, the tracking assemblymay further include a shieldarranged to block waves WV generated by the antennafrom exiting the transport container. The shieldof the tracking assemblymay be used instead of, or in addition to, the shieldof the transport container. Moreover, the shieldof the tracking assemblymay include any of the characteristics of the shieldof the transport containeras described herein. The shieldof the tracking assemblywill be described in further detail below.

6 10 FIGS.- 6 7 FIGS.and 12 15 FIGS.- 142 106 152 154 154 152 142 152 142 126 104 152 126 156 158 156 158 156 158 156 156 144 160 Referring now to, the housingof the tracking assemblygenerally includes a baseand a tower. In one aspect the toweris pivotably coupled to the baseof the housing. The baseof the housingmay be adjacent to the lower interior surfaceof the transport container. The basemay have a generally rectangular profile sized similarly to the lower interior surfaceand may include a base frameand a base covercoupled to the base frame. In some aspects, as shown in, the base coveris pivotably covered to the base frame. In other aspects, as shown in, the base coveris slidably coupled to the base frame. The base framesupports the antennatherein, which is realized by two generally rectangular antenna modulesas described in greater detail below.

158 156 144 142 180 158 156 144 152 194 160 148 132 158 154 158 144 120 104 102 132 156 154 144 104 156 154 104 The base covermay be selectively moveable relative to the base frameto permit access to the antenna. To this end, the housingmay define a slotsized to permit the base coverto selectively move relative to the base frameto permit access to the antenna. Channels, notches, and the like (not shown in detail) may be defined in the basefor routing wiresbetween the antenna moduleand the controller. It will be appreciated that shieldis not provided on the base cover, but may be provided on portions of the tower. More specifically, the shield may be disposed in spaced relation from the base coverto permit waves generated with the antennato scan the interiorof the transport containerfor tagged surgical articles, and the shieldmay be adjacent to the base frameand the towerto prevent waves generated with the antennafrom exiting the transport containerthrough the base frameand/or the tower, which could interfere with adjacent transport containers.

132 142 142 132 142 132 142 142 132 142 142 132 142 142 The shieldmay be integral with the housing, including but not limited to formed integrally with the housing. Alternatively, the shieldmay be a separate component than the housing. The shieldmay even be formed as a separate component than the housing, and later joined with the housingto become integral. In non-limiting examples, the shieldmay be mechanically affixed, including but not limited to stapled or crimped, to the housingto become integral with the housing, and/or the shieldmay be taped, glued, or otherwise adhered to the housingto become integral with the housing.

132 182 144 126 104 184 144 128 104 186 144 130 104 132 182 184 186 182 184 186 132 186 186 154 132 186 154 186 1 5 FIGS.-C 12 15 FIGS.- The shieldmay include at least one chosen from a lower shield surfacearranged to block waves WV generated by the antennafrom exiting the lower interior surfaceof the transport container, an upper shield surfacearranged to block waves WV generated by the antennafrom exiting the upper interior surfaceof the transport container, and interior shield wallsarranged to block waves WV generated by the antennafrom exiting the interior side wallsof the transport container. In other words, the shieldmay include any combination of the lower shield surface, the upper shield surface, and the interior shield walls, including but not limited to all of the lower shield surface, the upper shield surface, and the interior shield walls. In one aspect, as shown in, the shieldincludes the interior shield walls, and the interior shield wallsare disposed about the tower. In another aspect, as shown in, the shieldincludes the interior shield walls, and the toweris disposed exterior to the interior shield walls.

142 188 104 190 120 132 188 142 132 190 142 132 188 142 190 142 188 142 190 142 Moreover, the housingincludes exterior surfacesfacing the transport containerand interior surfacesdefining a housing interior. In one aspect, the shieldis disposed on the exterior surfacesof the housing. In another aspect, the shieldis disposed on the interior surfacesof the housing. It is to be appreciated that the shieldmay be constructed from or otherwise realized by one or more pieces of metallic foil panels and/or tape secured together. The metallic foil panels and/or tape may be disposed on the exterior surfacesof the housing, may be disposed on the interior surfacesof the housing, or may be disposed on both the exterior surfacesof the housingand on the interior surfacesof the housing.

154 162 164 162 166 162 154 152 126 104 154 120 146 148 154 120 162 146 148 150 194 106 154 192 194 146 148 150 144 192 194 146 148 150 146 148 150 144 8 FIG. The towergenerally may include a tower frame, a tower coverpivotably coupled to the tower frame, and a tower lidpivotably coupled to the tower frame. The towermay be coupled to the baseand extend away from the lower interior surfaceof the transport container. The towermay define a tower interior, and the communication interfaceand the controllermay be operatively attached to the towerand supported in the tower interior. As is best shown in, the tower frameis shaped to accommodate the communication interface, the controller, and the battery moduletherein, and may be provided with various channels, notches, and the like (not shown in detail) to facilitate routing wiresbetween components of the tracking assembly. More specifically, the towermay define a channelto facilitate routing of wiresbetween at least one chosen from the communication interface, the controller, and the battery moduleto the antenna. In other words, the channelmay facilitate routing of wiresbetween any combination of the communication interface, the controller, and the battery module, including but not limited to all of the communication interface, the controller, and the battery module, to the antenna.

9 FIG. 162 168 146 108 168 140 136 108 146 104 120 104 168 140 136 146 130 104 104 As shown in, the tower frameis provided with a tower windowadjacent to the communication interfaceto facilitate communication across the network. Here too, the tower windowis arranged so as to be disposed adjacent to and in alignment with the liner windowand the shield window. As will be appreciated from the subsequent description below, this arrangement allows wireless signals to be exchanged across the networkvia the communication interfacefrom within the transport containerwhile, at the same time, inhibiting transmission of the wave WV outside of the interiorof the transport container. The alignment and arrangement of the tower window, the liner window, the shield window, and the communication interfaceconfigured laterally and vertically offset relative to one of the interior side wallsof the transport container. This configuration helps prevent signals from inadvertently being exchanged between two adjacently positioned transport containersduring use.

144 160 160 142 126 100 106 196 152 142 196 198 144 160 160 160 160 144 160 160 144 144 144 144 144 5 FIG.B 5 FIG.C As noted above, the antennamay be realized by two antenna modules. The two antenna modulesmay be supported by the housingadjacent to the lower interior surface. Moreover, the system, particularly the tracking assembly, may further include a foam insertadjacent to the baseof the housing, and the foam insertmay define a recessshaped to receive the antenna, particularly the two antenna modules. The antenna moduleshave generally flat, rectangular profiles, and are configured as circular polarized flat panel UHF RFID antenna modules. In some versions, the antenna modulesmay be realized as Times-7 Part Number A6034 antennas. However, other configurations are contemplated, and it will be appreciated that the antennacould instead employ a single antenna module, or more than two antenna modules, in some versions. By way of non-limiting example, in the representative version depicted in, two antennasare depicted, each shown generating a respective wave WV. In some versions, each antennacould be configured to generate a respective wave WV according to different parameters (e.g., different scan rates). Other configurations are contemplated. By way of further non-limiting example, in the representative version depicted in, a single antennais depicted shown generating the wave WV. Thus, in some versions, the wave WV and/or the functions facilitated by the wave WV could be generated or otherwise defined by a single antennaor by multiple antennas. Other configurations are contemplated.

146 108 146 146 The communication interfaceis configured to facilitate wireless communication across the network. It will be appreciated that the communication interfacecould communicate according to a number of different protocols, such as 3G, 4G, and/or 5G cellular protocols. However, additional protocols such as WiFi, Bluetooth, Zigbee, and the like are contemplated. Further, the communication interfacemay also be configured for satellite navigation, such as according to the Global Navigation Satellite System GNSS.

146 148 106 146 148 144 146 108 148 146 148 146 148 170 148 146 While the communication interfaceis schematically depicted as a separate component from the controllerin the Figures, it will be appreciated that one or more components, systems, and/or devices of the tracking assemblycould be integrated together in a common housing and/or on a common circuit, and the like. Furthermore, the communication interfaceitself may include or otherwise comprise a controller, which could be separate from and connected to the controllercoupled to the antenna. In some versions, signals received by the communication interfaceacross the networkmay be utilized to selectively generate the wave WV with the controller(e.g., the communication interfacemay prompt the controllerto generate the wave WV). In some versions, the communication interfacemay be configured to prompt the controllerto generate the wave WV in other ways, such as at predetermined intervals or based on data from one or more types of sensorsas described in greater detail below. Here too, it will be appreciated that the controllermay be programmed or otherwise configured to generate the wave WV and/or perform other actions without necessarily requiring prompts from the communication interface. Other configurations are contemplated.

148 100 148 148 100 In some versions, the controllermay employ one or more microprocessors for processing instructions or an algorithm stored in memory to control operation of one or more components of the system. Additionally or alternatively, the controllermay comprise one or more microcontrollers, field programmable gate arrays, systems on a chip, discrete circuitry, and/or other suitable hardware, software, and/or firmware that is capable of carrying out the functions described herein. The controllermay comprise one or more subcontrollers configured to control one or more components of the system. Other configurations are contemplated.

170 170 148 148 144 170 148 170 170 148 148 172 144 172 In some versions, the system further comprises one or more sensorsconfigured to generate data. The sensoris in communication with the controller, and the controlleris configured to generate the wave WV with the antennadependent upon the data received from the sensor. More specifically, the controllerincludes or otherwise cooperates with one or more types of sensors, such as for example altimeters, accelerometers, gyroscopes, temperature and/or humidity sensors, pressure sensors, and the like. Here, data from one or more sensorsmay be used to determine when the controllershould selectively generate the wave WV. The controllermay include an RFID interfaceconfigured to selectively sgenerate the wave WV by generating a wave signal WS that is transmitted to the antenna. Here, the RFID interfacemay operate according to RFID Protocol Support EPC global Gen 2V2 (ISO 18000-63). However, other protocols are contemplated.

150 148 146 154 174 148 146 146 148 174 174 150 150 176 178 150 11 FIG. The battery modulepowers the controller(and, thus, the communication interface), and may configured for replacement or exchange from the tower, such as by one or more power connectorscoupled to the controllerand/or to the communication interface. In some versions, the communication interfacecould be powered via connection with the controller. It will be appreciated that power connectorscould be of various configurations, types, and/or arrangements. In some versions, the power connectorsmay be realized as USB cables and the battery modulemay be provided with USB ports. Other configurations are contemplated. In some versions, the battery modulemay be configured for connection to a charging stationvia prongsarranged to facilitate “stackable” charging of multiple battery modules(see; depicted schematically). However, other configurations are contemplated.

148 150 150 148 108 110 112 In some versions, the controllermay be configured to compare one or more operating parameters OP of the battery module(e.g., charging state, voltage, temperature, and the like) relative to one or more predetermined operating parameter thresholds PT to, among other things, determine when the battery moduleshould be charged or otherwise exchanged. To this end, the controllermay be configured to generate battery schedule data SD based on comparisons between the operating parameter OP and the predetermined operating parameter threshold PT, and to send the battery schedule data SD across the networkto the serveror some other remote electronic device. Other configurations are contemplated.

108 110 112 108 110 110 110 112 It will be appreciated that the network, the server, and/or the remote electronic devicesmay be configured or otherwise realized in a number of different ways. By way of non-limiting example, the networkcould be configured as a 5G cellular network and the servercould be realized by one or more types of cloud computing systems, edge computing systems, and/or combinations thereof. The servermay employ, include, or otherwise communicate with various interfaces, databases, and the like in order to facilitate collecting, presenting, organizing, and/or evaluating various forms of data. For example, the servermay include an interface that is accessible via various types of remote electronic devices(e.g., portable electronic devices such as cell phones, notebook computers, and the like). Other configurations are contemplated.

1 16 FIGS.- 100 102 104 106 110 108 102 120 104 104 102 102 120 104 106 104 102 120 Referring again, generally, to, as noted above, the systemis configured to facilitate remotely tracking various surgical articlesstored within transport containersvia tracking assembliesin communication with the serveracross the network. It will be appreciated that, depending on the size and quantity of the surgical articlesto be supported within the interiorof the transport container, as well as the physical dimensions of the transport containeritself, a number of possible arrangements of different surgical articlesmay be utilized. Moreover, as surgical articlesare removed from (and/or placed into) the interior, or otherwise shift in response to movement of the transport container, the arrangement may change. Accordingly, the tracking assemblyand transport containerdescribed and illustrated herein are configured to facilitate reliable, highly-accurate identification of the surgical articlesdisposed in the interior.

102 120 116 100 102 118 114 102 120 144 118 102 120 110 108 102 120 100 150 104 The surgical articlesmay be arranged within the interiorwith their labelsfacing upwardly to, among other things, allow logistics representatives or other users of the systemto visually identify and distinguish between different surgical articles. Here too with this arrangement, the tagis arranged on one of the lateral sides of the box. In this way, even when multiple surgical articlesare stacked on top of each other within the interior, the helically-extending wave WV generated via the antennacan reliably detect all of the tagsin order to communicate the identity data ID of each surgical articlewithin the interiorto the serveracross the network. In some versions, over one hundred different surgical articlespositioned within the interiorcan be identified accurately in under five seconds. Furthermore, the systemis configured such that the battery modulecan be used to perform periodic scans of the transport containerfor multiple weeks before requiring a recharge or replacement.

148 148 144 148 144 110 106 108 112 104 146 148 108 146 100 102 110 108 To this end, in some versions, the controlleris configured to perform a scan at predetermined intervals of time (e.g., every three hours). The controllermay be further configured to selectively generate the wave WV by generating a wave signal WS that is transmitted to the antenna, and the controllermay be further configured to send the wave signal WS to the antennaat predetermined intervals of time. Once the identity data ID have been transmitted to the serveracross the network, the tracking assemblymay enter a “sleep mode” to conserve power before awaking at the next interval of time and/or until prompted via signals received across the network. For example, a user may utilize a remote electronic deviceto request an accounting of the inventory of a particular transport container, whereby a signal transmitted to the communication interfacemay cause the controllerto “wake” and perform a scan between the intervals of time. Here, it will be appreciated that the connectivity to the networkvia the communication interface(e.g., via a 5G cellular connection) allows the systemto routinely and/or selectively (e.g., when prompted) inventory the surgical articlesand transmit identity data ID to the serverfrom any location where there is connectivity to the network(e.g., from inside buildings, during transit between locations, and the like).

110 104 102 102 104 112 104 102 It will be appreciated that the configurations described above afford significant advantages in connection with inventory management, asset distribution optimization, and interrelated logistics, in that identity data ID and other data stored in or otherwise accessible via the servercan be accessed and utilized by multiple users, and in various ways. For example, a logistics representative can remotely check the inventory of one or more transport containerswithout having to physically access and inspect each surgical articledisposed therein. Similarly, logistics representatives could conceivably set various thresholds for particular surgical articles, whereby predetermined changes in quantity for a given transport containercould be utilized to generate alerts, prompts, and the like (e.g., sent to the remote electronic deviceassigned to the logistics representative). Similarly, replenished transport containers, or additional quantities of certain surgical articles, could be automatically shipped to logistics representatives when their inventory falls below a certain threshold.

102 102 100 102 102 104 Moreover, opportunities for decentralized asset distribution are also contemplated, such as where one logistics representative within a particular area or region has an urgent need for a specific surgical articleand another logistics representative has an available quantity of that surgical articlewhich are not currently allocated for use (or, potentially, not frequently utilized by that logistics representative). In such circumstances, the systemcould help facilitate coordination between multiple logistics representatives, with or without intermediary parties (e.g., couriers) to optimize distribution of surgical articles. Here too, location data associated with the surgical articlescould be utilized (e.g., GNSS location data) to facilitate or otherwise influence coordination of this type. By way of non-limiting example, geofencing could be employed to determine whether or not surgical articles in particular transport containersshould be redistributed. Other configurations are contemplated.

170 104 100 1 104 106 102 110 104 100 110 104 102 104 104 100 104 170 16 FIG. In some versions, data from one or more sensorscould be utilized to further optimize power consumption and/or optimization of asset distribution. For example,depicts an exemplary of a transport containerof the system. Beginning at an initial location Lsuch as a warehouse, the transport containeroutfitted with the tracking assemblyand stocked with an assortment of surgical articlesmay perform an initial scan to transmit identity data ID to the serverat 3:00 PM on Day 1 in this illustrative example. The transport containeris loaded onto a courier vehicle headed for an airport. The systemis configured to perform scans every three hours unless certain conditions are met as described in greater detail below. During transport in the courier vehicle, another scan is performed at 6:00 PM on Day 1, and identity data ID transmitted to the serverwhile the transport containeris in the courier vehicle confirms that no surgical articleshave been added or removed from the transport container. At 9:00 PM on Day 1, another scan is performed as the transport containeris sorted along with other items for transport on an airplane. During air travel, no scans are performed. Here, the systemmay determine that the transport containeris in an airplane via location data (e.g., GNSS location data), and/or based on certain types of sensor data, such as where the sensoris realized as an altimeter. Thus, no scans are performed during air transport.

104 104 2 104 3 102 104 102 104 102 104 2 104 104 At 6:00 AM on Day 2, a scan is performed after the transport containerhas been unloaded from the airplane and is subsequently loaded into a different courier vehicle, which delivers the transport containerto a second location Lsuch as a regional distribution center. Another scan is performed at 9:00 AM on Day 2, after which a logistics representative loads the transport containerinto their local vehicle and transports it to a third location Lsuch as a city hospital. At 12:00 PM on Day 2, a scan is performed before the local vehicle arrives at the city hospital. The logistics representative removes certain surgical articlesfrom the transport containerand delivers them to the city hospital. At 3:00 PM on Day 2, a scan confirms that certain surgical articleshave been removed from the transport container. At this point, a determination is made that the remaining surgical articlesin the transport containershould be shipped elsewhere, so the logistics representative travels back to the second location Land the transport containeris again transported to an airport via a courier vehicle. Scans at 6:00 PM and 9:00 PM confirm that the inventory of the transport containerremains unchanged, but once again no scans are performed during air travel.

104 4 4 5 102 100 At 6:00 AM on Day 3, once the transport containerhas arrived at a different airport and during transit on another courier vehicle to a fourth location L, such as a different regional distribution center, yet another scan is performed. At 9:00 AM on Day 3, another scan is performed at the fourth location L, and a different logistics representative takes the transport container to a fifth location L, such as a rural hospital, to deliver the surgical articles. It will be appreciated that the forgoing is an illustrative, non-limiting example of the types of optimization afforded by the systemof the present disclosure.

102 108 104 120 126 128 130 126 128 132 120 104 106 120 104 106 144 146 148 102 120 104 148 144 144 126 128 120 104 102 120 104 148 144 102 120 104 148 146 108 A method for tracking tagged surgical articlesacross a networkis also provided. In one aspect, the method includes the step of providing a transport containerdefining an interiorhaving a lower interior surface, an upper interior surface, and a plurality of interior side wallsextending between the lower interior surfaceand the upper interior surface. The method also includes the steps of applying a shieldto the interiorof the transport container, inserting a tracking assemblyinto the interiorof the transport container, the tracking assemblyincluding an antenna, a communication interface, and a controller, and placing a plurality of tagged surgical articleswithin the interiorof the transport container. The method further includes the step of sending, with the controller, a wave signal WS to the antenna. The method further includes the step of, generating, with the antennaand in response to receiving the wave signal WS, a wave WV extending helically away from the lower interior surfaceand towards the upper interior surfacewithin the interiorof the transport container, the wave WV passing through the tagged surgical articlesplaced within the interiorof the transport container. The method further includes the step of receiving, with the controllervia the antenna, identity data ID from each of the plurality of tagged surgical articlesplaced within the interiorof the transport container. The method further includes the step of transmitting, with the controllervia the communication interface, the identity data ID across the network.

104 120 126 128 130 126 128 132 120 104 106 120 104 106 144 174 146 148 150 174 106 102 120 104 148 144 144 126 128 120 104 102 120 104 148 144 102 120 104 148 146 108 In another aspect, the method includes providing a transport containerdefining an interiorhaving a lower interior surface, an upper interior surface, and plurality of interior side wallsextending between the lower interior surfaceand the upper interior surface. The method also includes the steps of applying a shieldto the interiorof the transport container, inserting a tracking assemblyinto the interiorof the transport container, the tracking assemblyincluding an antenna, a power connector, a communication interface, and a controller, connecting a battery moduleto the power connectorof the tracking assembly, and placing a plurality of tagged surgical articleswithin the interiorof the transport container. The method further includes the step of sending, with the controller, a wave signal WS to the antenna. The method further includes the step of generating, with the antennaand in response to receiving the wave signal WS, a wave WV extending helically away from the lower interior surfaceand towards the upper interior surfacewithin the interiorof the transport container, the wave WV passing through the tagged surgical articlesplaced within the interiorof the transport container. The method further includes the step of receiving, with the controllervia the antenna, identity data ID from each of the plurality of tagged surgical articlesplaced within the interiorof the transport container. The method further includes the step of transmitting, with the controllervia the communication interface, the identity data ID across the network.

148 150 148 148 146 108 The method further includes the step of comparing, with the controller, an operating parameter of the battery modulerelative to a predetermined operating parameter threshold. The method further includes the step of generating, with the controller, battery schedule data based on a comparison between the operating parameter and the predetermined operating parameter threshold. The method further includes the step of sending, with the controllervia the communication interface, the battery schedule data across the network.

148 144 146 148 144 106 170 148 170 148 148 144 170 148 146 148 144 Either aspect of the method may further require the step of sending, with the controller, a wave signal WS to the antennato be completed at predetermined intervals of time. Moreover, either aspect of the method may further include the step of transmitting a signal to the communication interfaceto cause the controllerto send the wave signal WS to the antenna. Further, in either aspect of the method, the tracking assemblymay further include a sensorin communication with the controller, and may further include the step(s) of generating data with the sensorand sending the data to the controller. Further still, in either aspect of the method, the step of sending, with the controller, a wave signal WS to the antennamay be dependent upon the data received from the sensor. Even further still, either aspect of the method may further include the step of transmitting, with the controllervia the communication interface, alerts in response to predetermined changes in identity data ID received with the controllervia the antenna.

It will be further appreciated that the terms “include,” “includes,” and “including” have the same meaning as the terms “comprise,” “comprises,” and “comprising.”

Several versions have been discussed in the foregoing description. However, the versions discussed herein are not intended to be exhaustive or limit the invention to any particular form. The terminology which has been used is intended to be in the nature of words of description rather than of limitation. Many modifications and variations are possible in light of the above teachings and the embodiments may be practiced otherwise than as specifically described. Moreover, two or more of the versions disclosed herein may be combined with or without modification.

The present disclosure also comprises the following clauses, with specific features laid out in dependent clauses, that may specifically be implemented as described in greater detail with reference to the configurations and drawings above.

I. A system for tracking tagged surgical articles across a network, the system comprising: a transport container defining an interior having a lower interior surface, an upper interior surface, and a plurality of interior side walls extending between the lower interior surface and the upper interior surface; and a tracking assembly including a housing shaped to be received within the interior of the transport container, an antenna supported by the housing adjacent to the lower interior surface and being arranged to selectively generate a wave extending helically away from the lower interior surface and towards the upper interior surface within the interior of the transport container, a communication interface for wirelessly communicating with the network, and a controller coupled to the housing and disposed in electrical communication with the antenna and the communication interface, the controller being configured to: generate the wave with the antenna to scan the interior of the transport container for tagged surgical articles, receive identity data from each of the tagged surgical articles with the antenna in response to generating the wave, and transmit the identity data across the network via the communication interface. II. The system as set forth in clause I, wherein the tracking assembly further includes a shield arranged to block waves generated by the antenna from exiting the transport container. III. The system as set forth in any one of clauses I-II, wherein the housing includes a base adjacent to the lower interior surface of the transport container, and wherein the housing includes a tower coupled to the base and extending away from the lower interior surface of the transport container. IV. The system as set forth in any one of clauses I-III, wherein the tower defines a tower interior, and wherein the communication interface and the controller are operatively attached to the tower and supported in the tower interior. V. The system as set forth in any one of clauses I-IV, wherein the base includes a base frame supporting the antenna and a base cover coupled to the base frame and selectively moveable relative to the base frame to permit access to the antenna. VI. The system as set forth in any one of clauses I-V, wherein the shield is adjacent to the base frame and the tower. VII. The system as set forth in any one of clauses I-VI, wherein the shield is disposed in spaced relation from the base cover to permit waves generated with the antenna to scan the interior of the transport container for tagged surgical articles. VIII. The system as set forth in any one of clauses I-VII, wherein the shield includes at least one chosen from a lower shield surface arranged to block waves generated by the antenna from exiting the lower interior surface of the transport container, an upper shield surface arranged to block waves generated by the antenna from exiting the upper interior surface of the transport container, and interior shield walls arranged to block waves generated by the antenna from exiting the interior side walls of the transport container. IX. The system as set forth in any one of clauses I-VIII, wherein the shield includes the interior shield walls, and wherein the interior shield walls are disposed about the tower. X. The system as set forth in any one of clauses I-IX, wherein the shield defines a shield window arranged relative to the communication interface to facilitate transmittal of the identity data across the network via the communication interface. XI. The system as set forth in any one of clauses I-X, wherein the shield includes the interior shield walls, and wherein the tower is disposed exterior to the interior shield walls. XII. The system as set forth in any one of clauses I-XI, wherein the housing defines a slot sized to permit the base cover to selectively move relative to the base frame to permit access to the antenna. XIII. The system as set forth in any one of clauses I-XII further comprising at least one battery module configured to power the controller. XIV. The system as set forth in any one of clauses I-XIII, wherein the housing includes a base adjacent to the lower interior surface of the transport container, and a tower coupled to the base, extending away from the lower interior surface of the transport container, and defining a tower interior, with the at least one battery module operatively attached to the tower and supported in the tower interior. XV. The system as set forth in any one of clauses I-XIV, wherein the housing includes exterior surfaces facing the transport container, and wherein the shield is disposed on the exterior surfaces of the housing. XVI. The system as set forth in any one of clauses I-XV, wherein the housing includes interior surfaces defining a housing interior, and wherein the shield is disposed on the interior surfaces of the housing. XVII. The system as set forth in any one of clauses I-XVI further comprising a sensor configured to generate data, wherein the sensors is in communication with the controller, and wherein the controller is configured to generate the wave with the antenna dependent upon the data received from the sensor. XVIII. The system as set forth in any one of clauses I-XVII, wherein the controller is further configured to selectively generate the wave by generating a wave signal that is transmitted to the antenna, and wherein the controller is further configured to send the wave signal to the antenna at predetermined intervals of time. XIX. The system as set forth in any one of clauses I-XVIII, wherein the antenna is configured as a circular polarized flat panel ultra-high frequency (UHF) radio-frequency identification (RFID) antenna module. XX. The system as set forth in any one of clauses I-XIX, wherein the communication interface is configured to transmit the identity data across the network according to at least one chosen from IIIG, IVG, and/or VG cellular protocols. XXI. The system as set forth in any one of clauses I-XX, wherein the shield includes a liner. XXII. The system as set forth in any one of clauses I-XXI, wherein the liner defines a liner window in alignment with the shield window and arranged relative to the communication interface to facilitate transmittal of the identity data across the network via the communication interface. XXIII. The system as set forth in any one of clauses I-XXII, wherein the tower defines a tower window in alignment with the shield window and arranged relative to the communication interface to facilitate transmittal of the identity data across the network via the communication interface. XXIV. The system as set forth in any one of clauses I-XXIII, wherein the tower window is in alignment with the liner window. XXV. The system as set forth in any one of clauses I-XXIV, wherein the tower defines a channel to facilitate routing of wires between at least one chosen from the communication interface, the controller, and the battery module to the antenna. XXVI. The system as set forth in any one of clauses I-XXV, wherein the antenna includes two antenna modules supported by the housing adjacent to the lower interior surface. XXVII. The system as set forth in any one of clauses I-XXVI, wherein the upper interior surface of the transport container includes interlocking flaps pivotably coupled to the plurality of interior side walls. XXVIII. The system as set forth in any one of clauses I-XXVII, wherein the tower is pivotably coupled to the base of the housing. XXIX. The system as set forth in any one of clauses I-XXVIII further comprising a foam insert adjacent to the base of the housing.

XXXI. The system as set forth in any one of clauses I-XXX, wherein the antenna is configured to generate the wave in a helical configuration. XXXII. A method for tracking tagged surgical articles across a network, the method comprising: providing a transport container defining an interior having a lower interior surface, an upper interior surface, and a plurality of interior side walls extending between the lower interior surface and the upper interior surface; applying a shield to the interior of the transport container; inserting a tracking assembly into the interior of the transport container, the tracking assembly including an antenna, a communication interface, and a controller; placing a plurality of tagged surgical articles within the interior of the transport container; sending, with the controller, a wave signal to the antenna; generating, with the antenna and in response to receiving the wave signal, a wave extending helically away from the lower interior surface and towards the upper interior surface within the interior of the transport container, the wave passing through the tagged surgical articles placed within the interior of the transport container; receiving, with the controller via the antenna, identity data from each of the plurality of tagged surgical articles placed within the interior of the transport container; and transmitting, with the controller via the communication interface, the identity data across the network. XXXIII. A method for tracking tagged surgical articles across a network, the method comprising: providing a transport container defining an interior having a lower interior surface, an upper interior surface, and a plurality of interior side walls extending between the lower interior surface and the upper interior surface; applying a shield to the interior of the transport container; inserting a tracking assembly into the interior of the transport container, the tracking assembly including an antenna, a power connector, a communication interface, and a controller; connecting a battery module to the power connector of the tracking assembly; placing a plurality of tagged surgical articles within the interior of the transport container; sending, with the controller, a wave signal to the antenna; generating, with the antenna and in response to receiving the wave signal, a wave extending helically away from the lower interior surface and towards the upper interior surface within the interior of the transport container, the wave passing through the tagged surgical articles placed within the interior of the transport container; receiving, with the controller via the antenna, identity data from each of the plurality of tagged surgical articles placed within the interior of the transport container; transmitting, with the controller via the communication interface, the identity data across the network; comparing, with the controller, an operating parameter of the battery module relative to a predetermined operating parameter threshold; generating, with the controller, battery schedule data based on a comparison between the operating parameter and the predetermined operating parameter threshold; and sending, with the controller via the communication interface, the battery schedule data across the network. XXXIV. The method as set forth in any one of clauses XXXII-XXXIII, wherein the step of sending, with the controller, a wave signal to the antenna is completed at predetermined intervals of time. XXXV. The method as set forth in any one of clauses XXXII-XXXIV further comprising transmitting a signal to the communication interface to cause the controller to send the wave signal to the antenna. XXXVI. The method as set forth in any one of clauses XXXII-XXXV, wherein the tracking assembly further includes a sensor in communication with the controller, and further comprising generating data with the sensor and sending the data to the controller. XXXVII. The method as set forth in any one of clauses XXXII-XXXVI wherein the step of sending, with the controller, a wave signal to the antenna is dependent upon the data received from the sensor. XXXVIII. The method as set forth in any one of clauses XXXII-XXXVII further comprising transmitting, with the controller via the communication interface, alerts in response to predetermined changes in identity data received with the controller via the antenna. XXX. The system as set forth in any one of clauses I-XXIX, wherein the foam insert defines a recess shaped to receive the antenna.